NDC Suspends Northern Regional Vice Chairman

The Northern Regional Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Hamid Gbewaa, has been suspended by the party after allegedly assaulting the Regional Treasurer, Hajia Shamima Yakubu.

He was informed of his suspension by the General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, in a letter dated January 16, after deliberations by the Functional Executive Committee (FEC).

The decision, he noted, is in accordance with Article 48(1), 48(6), and 48(8)(b) of the party’s constitution and is pending the final decision of the National Disciplinary Committee, which is investigating the incident.

In an interview on Eyewitness News, monitored by opemsuo.com, the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Mustapha Gbande, explained that the suspension is in response to Alhaji Gbewaa’s neglect of constitutional provisions in addressing grievances.

“The Regional Vice Chairman has not denied knowledge of the assault conduct, so it means that primarily, it is only the court can determine whether one can assault somebody in self-defense or not. But for us, we believe that to the extent that an officer has assaulted another officer while the party constitution has enough procedures and processes for redress, if those two individuals had resorted to redress the grievances, we would not have gotten to this place. Having abandoned those provisions, it’s possible of being misconduct, and this is why we took that decision.”

An altercation between the two earlier this week over finances led to the alleged assault of the female treasurer.

Alhaji Gbewaa was arrested but subsequently granted bail by the Tamale District Court, where he has been charged with assault.